Ken Roczen has just made a bold and unexpected move, demanding the termination of his contract with Suzuki, despite having re-signed with the team for the 2025 SuperMotocross (SMX) season just months ago. In a candid statement to the media, the German rider made it clear that he was unwilling to let anyone—least of all Suzuki—stand in the way of his career.
“I’ve always said I’m in this sport to win. I’ve put in the hours, I’ve put in the work, and I refuse to let anyone, or any situation, hold me back from achieving what I’m capable of,” Roczen said, his tone firm but measured. “I’ve been through too much, fought too hard, and had too many moments where I’ve shown what I can do, only to have those moments get lost in a system that isn’t working for me.”
The decision to seek a contract release comes as a shock to many in the motocross world, especially after Roczen’s announcement earlier this year that he would remain with Suzuki for the 2025 season. After a challenging 2024 campaign, the expectation was that the partnership would offer a fresh start for both the rider and the team. However, behind the scenes, things haven’t gone as smoothly as many hoped.
Multiple sources suggest that Roczen’s dissatisfaction stems from several issues, including concerns over Suzuki’s bike development, race strategies, and what he feels is a lack of support and communication. While he has not gone into specifics, it’s clear that the 29-year-old has reached a breaking point.
“I’m not here to point fingers or assign blame,” Roczen continued. “But the reality is, I gave Suzuki a shot. I signed on for another year. But things have just become more difficult, and I feel like we’re not moving forward. If I’m going to make the most of the time I have left in my career, I need to be in a place where I feel fully supported and where I can trust in the direction we’re heading.”
Roczen has long been one of the most talented riders in the sport, capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone on the track. But after a string of inconsistent results, including some moments of brilliance mixed with disappointing finishes in 2024, the pressure on both Roczen and Suzuki has mounted. While the partnership had hoped to build momentum into the 2025 season, Roczen’s frustrations are clearly outweighing any potential for reconciliation.
“I’m not going to sit back and let this situation dictate the future of my career,” Roczen said, his resolve clear. “If I don’t feel like I can win and perform at my highest level, I’m not interested. I’ve been in this sport long enough to know what’s necessary to compete at the top, and right now, I just don’t see it happening with the way things are going.”
With the 2025 SMX season fast approaching, the timing of Roczen’s decision couldn’t be more critical. The rider has proven time and again that he’s capable of challenging for titles, but only when he’s in the right environment. Sources suggest that Roczen’s camp has already been in discussions with other teams, though no official talks have been confirmed. The window for changes is rapidly closing, and the next few days could be pivotal in shaping the rest of his career.
For now, Roczen is standing firm, sending a clear message to everyone in the sport: “You can’t ruin my career. I’ll make the decisions that are right for me.”
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